In Bratislava, in the Nové Mesto district, new grill zones were recently set up in the Kuchajda recreational area. The project, costing almost 50 thousand euros, aimed to create comfortable places for relaxation and picnics. However, instead of approval, it caused a wave of anger among local residents. The main complaints are not only about the lack of canopies but also about the worsening of an old problem – the presence of drug addicts and antisocial individuals, which creates a feeling of danger.
Why Did the Investment Cause Anger?
The municipality of Nové Mesto spent 49,804 euros on two grill tables with modern equipment. However, residents quickly noticed that these expensive facilities had no protection from sun or rain. Local activist Branislav Filipovič ironically noted that the first people who want to use them will have to sleep near the grills to have a chance to use them.
However, what caused the most irritation was not so much the price or the lack of canopies, but the general state of public order in the area. Residents of Tržnica, Račianske mýto, and Kalinčiaková streets share stories that they do not feel safe even during the day.
Increasing Danger and Police Inaction
"Antisocial and drug-addicted individuals have taken over Nové Mesto and are becoming more aggressive. My friends, when returning home in the evening, take padel rackets for self-defense just in case, because they are simply afraid," said one resident.
People also claim that municipal police patrols only react superficially to the situation: they take pictures of groups and leave. Residents demand more decisive action, including the creation of permanent police stations in problem areas, for example, near Tržnica.
The Problem of Homelessness and the "NYMBY Effect"
Discussions also raise the issue of homelessness, which, according to some, cannot be solved by local authorities without systemic support from the state. Critics point out that Bratislava has a severe shortage of day centers and shelters for the homeless.
However, when the construction of a crisis center or shelter is proposed in a specific area, it often meets resistance from local residents due to the so-called "NYMBY effect" (Not In My Back Yard). People fear a decrease in their property values, creating a vicious cycle where the homeless are forced to move between public places.
Reaction of Local Authorities
The editorial office contacted the Bratislava-Nové Mesto borough with questions about the frequency of patrols, solving security problems near Tržnica and at Kuchajda, as well as plans for creating permanent police posts.
The borough refused to provide specific data and direct responsibility for patrolling, shifting it to the Magistrate and the Municipal Police of Bratislava. A representative of the Local Office of Bratislava-Nové Mesto stated that the borough does not have such data, as the Municipal Police of Bratislava is subordinate to the Main City of the Slovak Republic Bratislava, which ensures the service, patrol planning, and recording of interventions and statistics.
At the same time, the local government claims that it is aware of the problems and discusses them with the police. "We regularly contact the Municipal Police, constantly pass on residents' complaints, and point out locations where residents indicate a deteriorating security situation or request more frequent patrols. We regularly address these issues at joint working meetings with representatives of the Municipal and State Police," added the representative. She also noted that specific statistical data and planned measures should be provided directly by the Magistrate or the Municipal Police.
Source: bratislava.zoznam.sk
